The Shifting Landscape of Autonomous Driving
Autonomous driving technology has experienced rapid advancements alongside the evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While currently not widespread in fully autonomous passenger vehicles, these systems are increasingly deployed in controlled environments like logistics, retail, industrial parks, and tourist attractions, where conditions can be more easily managed.
Helen Cai, Innovation Marketing Director for FORVIA Interiors, offers insights into the current state of the automotive industry.
Recent Developments in Autonomous Driving
Several car manufacturers have announced plans to release autonomous vehicles, signaling a significant shift in the automotive landscape.
- Tesla: Announced their “CyberCab” robotaxi, slated for unveiling in October 2024.
- Rimac: Plans the launch of its first robotaxi service in 2026.
- Renault: Their “Mach 2 project” will introduce a fleet of automated electric minibuses integrated into the public transport network of Châteauroux Métropole (France) starting in 2026.
- Nissan: Announced plans to launch autonomous-drive mobility services in 2027 across multiple cities in Japan, including rural areas.
Levels of Automation: A Gradual Progression
Autonomous driving technology evolves through different levels, gradually reducing the need for human intervention.
- Level 1 & 2: Drivers benefit from systems that control steering, acceleration, and braking, but must remain attentive.
- Level 3: The vehicle handles all driving tasks under specific conditions, with the driver ready to intervene if necessary (eyes-off mode).
- Level 4: The car manages all functions independently within defined areas, but manual control is still possible.
- Level 5: Full automation eliminates the need for human intervention, removing traditional driving controls entirely.
It’s essential to note that at Level 2 and below, drivers must maintain full attention. Many manufacturers have developed technologies to support Level 2 or Level 2+ driving, including Tesla’s Autopilot with “Full Self-Driving,” Audi’s “Traffic Jam Assist,” and BMW’s “Extended Traffic Jam Assistant.”
As vehicle control shifts to autonomous systems at Level 3 and beyond, responsibility is also transferred to the machine. Manufacturers are responsible for potential accidents when the vehicle is in “Eyes Off” mode. Operation of Level 3 systems also requires official certifications and approvals. Mercedes-Benz’s “Drive Pilot” is the first authorized Level 3 autonomous vehicle in the United States, permitted to operate on certain freeways at speeds up to 40 mph. Level 4 and 5 vehicles can operate without human intervention only in authorized conditions, and are subject to strict liability frameworks including safety standards and insurance requirements.
Key Players in the Autonomous Driving Arena
In 2024, 90% of European and American vehicles offers Level 1 autonomous driving features, like adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane-keeping assist (LKA).
Most car manufacturers are focused on developing Level 2 and Level 3 vehicles. Despite having Level 3 technologies, some manufacturers are still awaiting official authorization to adopt the Level 3 system – Honda’s Sensing Elite offers features like Traffic Jam Pilot and Emergency Stop Assistant.
- Traffic Jam Pilot: Takes control of acceleration, braking, and steering, and monitors the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Emergency Stop Assistant: Changes lanes and parks the vehicle on the road shoulder when the driver doesn’t respond to transfer control requests.
Car makers like BMW, Hyundai-Kia, and Stellantis have plans to incorporate Level 3 technologies into their vehicles around 2024.
Besides traditional OEMs, the Level 4 and 5 autonomous market includes Big Tech companies such as Google (Waymo) and Amazon (Zoox), ride-hailing services like Uber and Didi and GM (Cruise). These companies often form joint ventures and strategic partnerships to develop solutions.
The Changing Mobility Experience
Level 3 autonomous systems allow drivers to engage in other activities while in the vehicle. The goal is to transform the car’s interior into a multi-functional space, with the interior changing into an extension of one’s living room.
- Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot L3: Allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel and take their eyes off the road under specific conditions, permitting activities such as gaming, watching videos, or dining.
- BMW Personal Pilot L3: Allows drivers to concentrate on secondary tasks within Geo-Fenced areas, such as email or phone calls.
Digital services, such as video streaming, can now be utilized on the central screen during highway commutes.
FORVIA’s Vision for the Future
FORVIA, a leading automotive technology supplier, is at the forefront of these changes, particularly through its Cockpit of the Future team. The team is developing innovations that focus on providing a safer, more comfortable, and personalized experience in autonomous vehicles.
FORVIA develops various technologies for vehicle interiors that adapt to different levels of autonomous driving.
FORVIA is working on a comprehensive range of technologies integrated into vehicle interiors, including radars and by-wire applications with Hella:
- Smart surfaces
- Innovative HMI
- Safety and wellness applications
- Full cabin infotainment systems with pillar-to-pillar displays
Modular and upgradable cockpit architecture allows feature upgrades based on driving and non-driving use cases, like an upgraded central display and a retractable steering wheel. A smart and multi-function sliding center console converts the vehicle cabin into a living room in autonomous driving mode. Surface activation solutions, such as lighting, heating, viewing, and sensing, improve the non-driving experience to be more intuitive and user-friendly.
The Potential of Level 4 and Beyond
Level 4 autonomous vehicles, along with RoboTaxis, enable consumers to achieve “Mind Off” inside vehicles providing an even more relaxed experience during transit.
The VW ID CODE concept at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024.
The Level 4 VW ID CODE concept, showcased at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024, offers various options, including reading, going online, watching movies. It offers a retractable steering wheel and rotatable front seats.
Car manufacturers are exploring Level 4 autonomous vehicles in the RoboTaxi or RoboBus sector by launching their services or investing in ride-hailing platforms.
- GM: Invested in Lyft in 2016 for driverless vehicles.
- Toyota: Invested in Uber and Grab in 2018.
- Tesla: Developing its ADAS system.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Car manufacturers are creating alliances to advance autonomous vehicle technologies and access advanced solutions efficiently.
- GM: Partnered with Cruise and invested approximately $8 billion in the company since 2016.
- Hyundai: Working with Aurora to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles.
Some manufacturers license technology from companies like Waymo instead of creating it in-house (Fiat Chrysler and Volvo).
Regional Variations and Regulations
The development of autonomous vehicle technology varies across regions.
- Asia: Japan and China invest heavily in autonomous vehicle technologies.
- China: Aims for 50% automation in new auto sales by 2025 and invests in 5G networks.
- United States: States like California and Arizona have become testing hubs due to their flexible regulatory environments.
Major tech companies like Google and Amazon also invest in these technologies, creating significant alliances to drive innovation.
Regulatory Frameworks
Regulations are vital for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. The regulations determine the safety standards and requirements for the industry.
- Germany: The 2021 Autonomous Driving Act enables Level 4 vehicles to undergo real-traffic testing and aims to integrate Level 4 and 4+ vehicles into its transport system by 2030.
- United States: Updated state laws govern the commercial operations of Level 4 autonomous vehicles. Certain states, such as Texas and California, have regulations permitting Level 4 RoboTaxis from Cruise to operate in cities like San Francisco and Austin.
Conclusion
Autonomous driving is poised to reshape transportation, with ongoing advancements in technology, strategic partnerships, and regulatory frameworks. The transition to higher levels of automation is expected to continue, offering new possibilities in mobility and enhancing the driving experience. The industry is still evolving, but the journey is well underway.
